Study Options
The following postgraduate qualifications are offered:
- Graduate Diploma in Science in Physical Geography
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science in Physical Geography
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Physical Geography
- Bachelor of Science with Honours in Physical Geography
- Master of Science in Physical Geography
- PhD in Physical Geography
Graduate Diploma in Science (GDipSc ) in Physical Geography
Prerequisites
Graduate Diploma students must have previously completed a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Course Requirements
- 120 points from 200- and 300-level
- at least 75 points must be at 300-level or above
- up to 30 points may be from courses outside science
- a project worth 30 points may be included, with approval
The diploma is effectively a BSc major in Physical Geography and the programme of study should meet the requirements of that major.
More information about the Graduate Diploma in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSc) in Physical Geography
Prerequisites
Postgraduate Certificate students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with an average B+ grade in relevant 300 level courses.
Course Requirements
60 points from:
- PHYG 404 - 489
- PHYG 580
Note: the combination of courses must be approved by the School.
More information about the Postgraduate Certificate in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSc) in Physical Geography
Prerequisites
Postgraduate Diploma students must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with an average B+ grade in relevant 300 level courses.
Course Requirements
120 points with at least 60 points from:
- PHYG 404 - 489
- PHYG 580
Note: the programme does not include a research project and must be approved by the School.
More information about the Postgraduate Diploma in Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons) in Physical Geography
Prerequisites
Honours candidates must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a B grade average in 300 level courses. The following courses are required:
- GEOG 323
- GEOG 318 or 319
Course Requirements
- PHYG 489
- 30 points from PHYG 404 - 488
- A further 60 points from PHYG 404 - 488, or other approved courses
More information about the Bachelor of Science with Honours is on the Faculty of Science website.
Master of Science (MSc) in Physical Geography
The Masters programme comprises two parts and is normally completed in two calendar years. Part 1 (the first year) involves course work and a research preparation course. Part 2 (the second year) is a full-time research project
Prerequisites
Honours candidates must have previously completed a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with a B grade average in 300 level courses. The following courses are required:
- GEOG 323
- GEOG 318 or 319
Part 1
Course Requirements
- PHYG 580
- 60 points from PHYG 404 – 488
- 30 further approved 400 level points
Part 2
Prerequisites
Students require an average B+ grade in their Masters Part 1 courses. Students with a lower grade must discuss options with the programme director, which include redirection into a suitable postgraduate diploma.
Prospective students must also obtain a recommendation by a potential
project supervisor before enrolment. All entries are subject to approval by the
Convenor of the Geology/Earth Sciences Board of Studies.
Course Requirements
- PHYG 591
More information about the Master of Science is on the Faculty of Science website.
PhD in Physical Geography
The PhD is the highest degree offered by the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Science. It is a research degree culminating in a thesis and usually takes three to four years of full time study to complete.
A PhD thesis will normally be from 60,000 to 100,000 words depending on the nature of the topic. On completion, the thesis is assessed by three examiners, usually one from Victoria, one from another New Zealand University and one from an overseas university.
PhD students are encouraged to apply for a range of scholarships offered by the School, the University and others. Details can be found on the scholarships webpage.
The Faculty of Graduate Research is the initial contact point for all PhD students. Please visit their website for all queries, including available funding, the role of a supervisor and the application process. The Faculty continues to provide support to PhD students throughout their studies at Victoria.